Tom Kean Jr. Will Remain as NJ Senate GOP Leader

NEW JERSEY 101.5

Tom Kean Jr. has survived an attempt to replace him as minority leader in the New Jersey Senate.

Kean received a majority of the 16 Republican votes to retain the leadership post for two years.

The Union County Republican's position was jeopardized when the party failed to gain any Senate seats in Tuesday's election even though Gov. Chris Christie was re-elected in a landslide.

Christie steered clear of the leadership fight publicly, but met privately with several senators before the vote was taken.

Assembly Democrats decided to switch leaders on Thursday.

Hudson County Assemblyman Vincent Prieto was chosen unanimously as the new Assembly speaker.

He will succeed Sheila Oliver of Essex County on Jan. 14.

Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick will continue in their posts.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Kean Survives Ouster Vote Despite Christie Arm-Twisting / NJ Spotlight

• Kean Remains Senate Minority Leader Despite Challenge; Prieto Takes Over as Assembly Speaker / NJTV

• Democrats continue to savage Kean / NJ.com

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